UH-Hilo researchers flew drones to map lava flow (Honolulu, Volcano: 2014, house)

[OpenD]

Fascinating story... U of H researchers flew small unmanned aircraft (drones) to help document the lava flow that threatened Pahoa

UH-Hilo researchers, drone map lava flow

Predicting where the June 27 lava flow will go next is a fluid undertaking. In addition to the original topography of the landscape impacted by lava flows, workers with Hawaii County Civil Defense must take into account the changes made to the topography by the hardened lava left on the surface and how that will affect future flows. That means that topographical maps used to predict the flows' movement must change day to day, and even hour to hour in some cases when the lava is moving quickly.

That's where a team of University of Hawaii at Hilo researchers is proving it has the right stuff.
Since early September, UH-Hilo's Spatial Data Analysis and Visualization Laboratory has worked in partnership with Civil Defense and the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to fly an unmanned aerial vehicle, or drone, outfitted with a high-resolution camera to map the flow.

"We first heard about the lava flow heading towards Pahoa Town and we immediately started getting (Federal Aviation Administration) permission," said Nicolas Turner, SDAV's cyber computer programming analyst. "That was one of the biggest hurdles." While many in the general public might think of the small, remote-controlled drones as toys, the FAA takes them very seriously, explained Arthur Cunningham, the team's aeronautical science consultant. "To the FAA, you're a pilot," he said. "You need to pass a flight physical, and be licensed. Because if something goes wrong, that vehicle could be up there without a pilot."

One factor that helped speed up the process was the fact the team's Sensefly SwingletCAM drone -- which looks to be not much more than a black foam wing with a propeller -- already was authorized for use on the island. They simply worked with the FAA to allow them to fly it in the area of the lava, and they were off and running -- or flying.
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The team uses mostly off-the-shelf equipment, including a point-and-shoot Canon camera attached to the drone, to create truly stunning, three-dimensional, high-resolution images of the lava flow.The drone also has instruments to keep track of flight telemetry and GPS coordinates so the team knows exactly when and where photos were snapped, including the pitch of the vehicle, its speed and more. The secret, Perroy explained, is in taking enough photos to create plenty of overlap in the areas of ground they cover, and from various perspectives. That allows the research team to stitch the photos together using specialized software, creating large "orthomosaics," which give very precise and accurate information for Civil Defense to assess the situation on the ground.
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Oliveira added the team's drone has proven to be especially useful on days when the county's helicopter has been unavailable to provide Civil Defense officials an in-person bird's eye view of the situation on the ground.

"At least twice, they (the county's helicopters) have been unavailable because they were involved in other missions, and having a pre-arranged agreement with them (SDAV) to do surveying and mapping has been truly valuable. Not to mention the quality of their imagery is exceptional. The resolution is just phenomenal. In place of having a person up there, we're able to make the same assessment of what's happening," he said.
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UH-Hilo researchers, drone map lava flow - Hawaii News - Honolulu Star-Advertiser

[hotzcatz]

It's a perfect use for drones, too. Wish we could access the data they gather, though.

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by hotzcatz

It's a perfect use for drones, too. Wish we could access the data they gather, though.

I think we should make requests.

Meanwhile, many of the HVO and Civil Defense photos are posted online, though not identified as such. But look for the big wide angle HD aerial shots... they were stitched together from multiple drone shots.

[the1heat4u]

I had to fly back to the mainland on 6/28. Had initially planned on returning in December.. only to not book tickets due to our home being in the projected path. A few weeks ago, decided oh hell.. why not! Sooooo happy for the stall, and Pahoa Village Road opening back up! Especially in time for the parade!

Ever since it picked up momentum.. I have been studying topography maps, and watching, listening and reading every single update. Some days with fear, and others with appreciation.

I would love to see more specific data that the drones have brought back. As usually... I feel we are often only told what they want us to hear. Which is why I started looking heavily into topography maps, and getting a deeper understand of lava, tubes, cracks, so on. When you house is in Pele's path.. you tend to pay attention!